tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80325414003728451382024-03-13T16:12:03.670-05:00Life Through A Pink LensThe personal blog of a wife & photographer, who loves fashion, food, family, friends, fur-babies....and traveling.Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-51859316937642289092011-03-08T12:08:00.000-06:002011-03-08T12:08:51.107-06:00Kitchen Wall DecorDon't you just love it when you are looking for decor, and you realize you already have something that would just work perfectly?<br />
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Back when I was still a single gal, living by myself in my own apartment, I purchased these metal art pieces from Kirkland's home store. They never made their debut in my apartment because they didn't really go. I am not sure why I bought them back then, but I am so glad I did because they totally work perfectly in our breakfast area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6vwC-RWzIoQ/TW0XDmRVsEI/AAAAAAAAAH0/4ZjUOb_vBBI/s1600/DSC_4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6vwC-RWzIoQ/TW0XDmRVsEI/AAAAAAAAAH0/4ZjUOb_vBBI/s320/DSC_4214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I love the symmetry and simplicity, because I don't want the walls to be cluttered when I add items to the other walls in the kitchen. (I am on the hunt for a large, framed chalk board to hang next to the pantry)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KTYeAv0GIe8/TW0XDdR4-1I/AAAAAAAAAHw/aqI7gII0uFg/s1600/DSC_4213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KTYeAv0GIe8/TW0XDdR4-1I/AAAAAAAAAHw/aqI7gII0uFg/s1600/DSC_4213.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We still have to hang curtains and fill the room with a table, but we are just going to eat this big elephant one bite at a time.Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-74046390289443375562011-03-01T10:33:00.001-06:002011-03-05T21:42:59.892-06:00Cute Coupon Holder & Weekly SavingsMy first 2 weeks couponing, I just stuffed my clipped coupons into white envelopes and toted the ones I planned on using with me to the grocery store. Inevitably, I would stumble upon unlisted sales at the store (that I could pair coupons with) and I didn't have <i>those</i> coupons with me. <br />
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I ran to hobby-lobby for some note cards, and found this little gem. It is a small accordion folder with a note pad attached. PERFECT FOR MY PURSE (and it is CUTE)!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sd0HwZrpMJA/TW0gnX97ZZI/AAAAAAAAAIo/4-Taz8rH2MI/s1600/DSC_4226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sd0HwZrpMJA/TW0gnX97ZZI/AAAAAAAAAIo/4-Taz8rH2MI/s1600/DSC_4226.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tKfgmaMeWhk/TW0gnNYi-zI/AAAAAAAAAIg/QP9ObjmwPJc/s1600/65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tKfgmaMeWhk/TW0gnNYi-zI/AAAAAAAAAIg/QP9ObjmwPJc/s1600/65.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The printed coupons (from smartsource.com) are a bit big, but I made 'em fit.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Xa2lXvsOBrk/TW0gnAOecuI/AAAAAAAAAIk/--wXS5xnX9M/s1600/DSC_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Xa2lXvsOBrk/TW0gnAOecuI/AAAAAAAAAIk/--wXS5xnX9M/s1600/DSC_4225.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I may need something larger as a continue to coupon, but it definitely meets my needs now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a separate compartment for food, personal items, kitchen stuff, etc...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first compartment is used for coupons I will be using that particular shopping trip (but it is nice to have them all just in case I need to use them)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D1CYORO3Ry4/TW0gn0Ug3oI/AAAAAAAAAIs/Yji8-1AGPIA/s1600/DSC_4232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D1CYORO3Ry4/TW0gn0Ug3oI/AAAAAAAAAIs/Yji8-1AGPIA/s1600/DSC_4232.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The notepad is handy for planning you grocery list!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now for my grocery scores this week:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1SgJwjbZma8/TW0goEADFcI/AAAAAAAAAIw/xIK_7VxyZF0/s1600/DSC_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1SgJwjbZma8/TW0goEADFcI/AAAAAAAAAIw/xIK_7VxyZF0/s1600/DSC_4240.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Total (before coupons and sales): $75.48</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Total (after coupons & sales): $40.48</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAVINGS: $35.00</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My total would have been a lot less, but I included a few of <b>non-sale</b> items that we wanted for dinner:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 2 cans tuna<br />
1lb of cajun andoullie sausage (for jambalaya)<br />
1 head of iceburg lettuce<br />
1 taco kit (hard and soft)<br />
1 bag of shredded cheese (for tacos)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-38928488160647590212011-03-01T09:20:00.001-06:002011-03-02T11:54:45.495-06:00Bathroom Decor (on a budget...)Now that the majority of the living space is unpacked (minus my office), it is time to decorate.<div>I started with the master bathroom (mostly because it required the LEAST amount of decorative items).</div><div><br />
</div><div>Our master bath is all tile, granite, dark wood, with brushed metal fixtures. The minute I walked in to the completed space, it just felt like a spa. I wanted to keep that relaxing vibe going, and I also didn't want to break the bank. My main goal was to keep the color scheme neutral and calming, so we stuck with same color palette that was abundant in the natural elements (tile, granite, wood). We chose ivory and beige.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b1Vf6DZ6H9s/TW0Pz1Q4zGI/AAAAAAAAAHU/35hkGnDGOvs/s1600/bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b1Vf6DZ6H9s/TW0Pz1Q4zGI/AAAAAAAAAHU/35hkGnDGOvs/s1600/bath.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The towels came from Wal-Mart. Of course they are not the soft & thick towels we like to dry off with, but they work great for a decorative accent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On my vanity, I decided to use a flower arrangement from our wedding (and one of my favorite wedding photos). Every morning, as I get ready, it reminds me how lucky I am to have married my true love and it makes me smile. Such a great way to start out the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did splurge on the rugs for the bathroom, though. They are microfiber and memory foam bath mats. They are so freakin' soft and we just love them. I bought them at <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=120822&RN=2049&">Bed, Bath, & Beyond</a>. The small one is $19.99 and the large was $29.99 (i think). Not too bad, but a little more than your run of the mill bath mats.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YwHCuR0o_NU/TW0P0cNSQ2I/AAAAAAAAAHc/p0_68JdT3oQ/s1600/DSC_4177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YwHCuR0o_NU/TW0P0cNSQ2I/AAAAAAAAAHc/p0_68JdT3oQ/s1600/DSC_4177.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Og0_IH_OWWk/TW0P0z8VgWI/AAAAAAAAAHg/0Pn0hJsFXMw/s1600/DSC_4183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Og0_IH_OWWk/TW0P0z8VgWI/AAAAAAAAAHg/0Pn0hJsFXMw/s1600/DSC_4183.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(You can see my footprints in the memory foam)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The window valance was my greatest find because it was something we already had. :) When we were packing up our previous home, I found these brand Nautica valances under the bathroom sink. It was something my husband had, but never used. To my delight, they matched our new bathroom perfectly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJYOXI_ebPU/TW0P0H6plDI/AAAAAAAAAHY/JdHiLFaGlUE/s1600/bath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJYOXI_ebPU/TW0P0H6plDI/AAAAAAAAAHY/JdHiLFaGlUE/s1600/bath2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lastly, keeping with the serene (<i>very slight</i> nautical theme)... my conch shell found a perfect home in the corner of the jetted tub. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This shell has special meaning because we got it on a trip to Turks & Caicos. We went snorkeling, and my hubby dove down to the bottom and retrieved this abandoned shell. It was pretty nasty looking from being abandoned on the ocean floor, but I soaked it in bleach and voila!!... Probably THE coolest souvenir I have ever brought back from somewhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nWAXO8Cf0b8/TW0P2iJ1FaI/AAAAAAAAAHs/41nLxvFLKIc/s1600/DSC_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nWAXO8Cf0b8/TW0P2iJ1FaI/AAAAAAAAAHs/41nLxvFLKIc/s1600/DSC_4222.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>On the other side of the tub is a <a href="http://www.tylercandles.com/">Tyler candle</a> (from my hub's Aunt), and it smells divine! I also have bath crystals from Bath & Body works in relaxing <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2784314&cp=2484528.3214835">Spearmint & Eucalyptus</a>. (Seriously, stress relief in a jar!)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
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</i></div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-90302673611315293722011-03-01T09:19:00.000-06:002011-03-01T09:19:37.558-06:008/52 | Fifty-Two Week ProjectI am a few days late posting my photo this week, but I did take one last week.<br />
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Saturday morning I made wildberry mini-muffins for me & the hubs, so I took a photo. <br />
I would like to say they were from scratch, but they were the instant mix in the baking aisle. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OgRJQZeGmIM/TW0ONeIKvkI/AAAAAAAAAHM/lE_bWIFrZP0/s1600/DSC_4193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OgRJQZeGmIM/TW0ONeIKvkI/AAAAAAAAAHM/lE_bWIFrZP0/s1600/DSC_4193.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FbS12v1k3CM/TW0ONjLc6KI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/jp_iCjdxb5M/s1600/DSC_4194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FbS12v1k3CM/TW0ONjLc6KI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/jp_iCjdxb5M/s1600/DSC_4194.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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They were delicious by the way! :)Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-43612328866780133982011-02-28T12:36:00.000-06:002011-02-28T12:36:32.423-06:00Horrible Hair... better hair.OMG... we have been so consumed with everything going on in our lives that I totally let my head go.<br />
I knew it needed coloring and a cut, but I kept putting it off. Then I woke up the other day and realized that it looked just horrible.... like, "how can I go out in public like this?" horrible. Yeah, it was that bad!<br />
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Last week, my husband & I went to the DMV to renew our car tags and I really need to renew my license with my new address, but I looked so dang terrible I just couldn't do it. I mean, did I really want a 4-year reminder of my terrible, root-showing hair? (The answer to that is NO, of course!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfILEU9z7bg/TWbRNTpaMvI/AAAAAAAAAGs/v2MNmq6EUzM/s1600/photo+1-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfILEU9z7bg/TWbRNTpaMvI/AAAAAAAAAGs/v2MNmq6EUzM/s1600/photo+1-2.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">See, I had to use my iPhone to cover my face because of the horrible shame of bad hair.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To my "slight" defense, this is fresh out of a pony tail, unwashed... but the roots are all real.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, I went to Wal-Mart and picked up some at-home dye, so I could make myself more presentable to the world, my husband, and myself. I picked up my favorite... L'Oreal <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;"><em style="font-style: normal;">Couleur Experte</em>® because it is color and hi-lights all in one box. I LOVE the hi-light applicator and it is SO easy to use. BONUS: I had a $2 off coupon. SCORE!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsGyRzh2NyU/TWbRN61NEqI/AAAAAAAAAGw/yrk6FeHO9ac/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsGyRzh2NyU/TWbRN61NEqI/AAAAAAAAAGw/yrk6FeHO9ac/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">After about an hour and a half of hair attention, I emerged much more presentable. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">Note: this is just washed and dried... no styling/flat iron, etc </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBlnHYRH8UU/TWbRPzJRPRI/AAAAAAAAAG0/zGsn8f36hmU/s1600/hairdo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBlnHYRH8UU/TWbRPzJRPRI/AAAAAAAAAG0/zGsn8f36hmU/s640/hairdo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">Of course, I am not even going to try cutting my hair myself (CAN WE SAY DISASTER!!), so I left that to the pros.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"> I wound up just getting a slight trim and getting my long layers cleaned up, but it looks a little healthier now. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAqkT53kL6Q/TWg97ICRyVI/AAAAAAAAAHI/x0wzmKPs51Q/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAqkT53kL6Q/TWg97ICRyVI/AAAAAAAAAHI/x0wzmKPs51Q/s1600/photo-7.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I was in the changing room over at TJ Maxx. I headed over there after my hair cut, and after trying on clothes, I realized I better take a photo before I completely mess my hair up. It is a little disheveled here, but oh well.)</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">Oh, and while I was at the salon a lady walked up and told my stylist that my hair color was pretty.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"> Woot!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;"> I guess my home-dye job wasn't so bad. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br />
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</span></div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-85032750525323205142011-02-25T09:00:00.000-06:002011-02-25T09:00:00.521-06:00Couponing...Every week, I notice on our cousin, Elizabeth's, <a href="http://thedambrodynasty.blogspot.com/2011/02/25-grocery-challenge_23.html">blog</a> that she posts her weekly couponing deals from the grocery store. She saves SO much money and it intrigued and inspired me. I would show my husband, and he would tell me that I needed to learn what she was doing.<br />
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It is only the 2 of us in this house to by groceries for, but I can still easily spend $100 or more a week on groceries. I LOVE to cook, and our grocery bill shows that.<br />
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Coupons are such a great way to save money on stuff that you are already purchasing. Why spend more money than you have too? I am all about saving some $$$$, so I decided to give it a whirl.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzYAE8tQLlc/TWV-SiGcNBI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/KGmA8tyMnMg/s1600/web_DSC_3993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzYAE8tQLlc/TWV-SiGcNBI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/KGmA8tyMnMg/s1600/web_DSC_3993.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I sat down and started clipping away. As I did more research, couponing isn't just about using coupons when you head to the grocery store. The key is to save the coupons and use them at the right time. You can pair them with sales or even stack manufactures coupons with store coupons. <br />
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All of that just made my head spin, and I was so nervous to even take my coupons to the store...<br />
1.) Would the cashier look at me funny or give me a hard time?<br />
2.) Would I hold up the grocery line and make other customers mad?<br />
3.) Would it really even be worth my time?<br />
<br />
So, I headed to the nearest Publix in the morning because I figured that the crowds would be much lighter. I mean, who goes grocery shopping in the morning? I was right and there were not many people there. I gathered my coupons and my findings and scoped out all of the check out ladies. I picked the one that looked like she would be most sympathetic to my coupon use, LOL! It was a breeze. She just rang everything up and then did all my coupons. There were no problems and no judgement, and I just got a great deal! SCORE!<br />
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So for my first trip the total was $49.87<br />
<b>I only paid $26.47</b><br />
I saved $23.40<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K9oMu_mS1E/TWV-mOhBJjI/AAAAAAAAAGg/Hjnq1b5V32Y/s1600/web_DSC_4004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K9oMu_mS1E/TWV-mOhBJjI/AAAAAAAAAGg/Hjnq1b5V32Y/s1600/web_DSC_4004.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next week, I went to clipping again and headed to Publix again (with much less fear this time).</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKEbVAwdj0c/TWV-UuU-4AI/AAAAAAAAAGU/WTyQ0b00YEw/s1600/DSC_4050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKEbVAwdj0c/TWV-UuU-4AI/AAAAAAAAAGU/WTyQ0b00YEw/s1600/DSC_4050.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">This time my total was - $83.50</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>my cost: $43.94</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Savings: $39.56</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I am excited to learn more and keep on couponing!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKEbVAwdj0c/TWV-UuU-4AI/AAAAAAAAAGU/WTyQ0b00YEw/s1600/DSC_4050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-85580055145948190772011-02-25T08:06:00.003-06:002011-02-25T08:06:00.529-06:00Hilarious! - Katy Perry Video (sort of)Need a pick me up?<br />
<br />
Yesterday morning, I was watching the Today show and they showed this creative & hilarious video.<br />
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Apparently, while snowed in, some guys got together and made their own music video version of Katy Perry's song "Firework". They shot the movie in 4 hours and had 1 hour of editing. They posted it to YouTube and it went viral!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s2KtzWvoYCw" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
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Even Katy, herself, approved.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AtWBWmCjYGw/TWbYOdEmC8I/AAAAAAAAAG4/t1H3I70kgfo/s1600/katy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AtWBWmCjYGw/TWbYOdEmC8I/AAAAAAAAAG4/t1H3I70kgfo/s1600/katy.jpg" /></a></div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-22405829991201532022011-02-24T08:00:00.001-06:002011-02-24T08:00:04.475-06:00Snowshoe, West Virginia - Ski TripI am finally getting around to posting the photos from our ski trip.<br />
I did WAY better this time. I wound up taking a lesson, which taught me absolutely nothing, but did discover that my foot pain while skiing is caused by me being so scared and tense.<br />
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So, Hubby took me out and worked with me a little bit, which gave me some confidence. The next day me and my friend, Jordan hit the slopes (she is a beginner, too). I just kept on skiing even when I wanted to give up... and guess what? I got better! WooHoo!<br />
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I am by no means a pro, but at least I can make it down the mountain with out being in excruciating pain and with out immense fear! I can't wait for next year's trip.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Me and Hubby</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLvYlEwzg90/TWV6gC-6qSI/AAAAAAAAAF8/IATNrmdEQyY/s1600/P2070022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLvYlEwzg90/TWV6gC-6qSI/AAAAAAAAAF8/IATNrmdEQyY/s1600/P2070022.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jordan & Me</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3s5U9QUyqeQ/TWV6fvLWdsI/AAAAAAAAAF4/h2Tunvr0KKk/s1600/167773_934897007015_27428063_48135499_3543339_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3s5U9QUyqeQ/TWV6fvLWdsI/AAAAAAAAAF4/h2Tunvr0KKk/s1600/167773_934897007015_27428063_48135499_3543339_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLvYlEwzg90/TWV6gC-6qSI/AAAAAAAAAF8/IATNrmdEQyY/s1600/P2070022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wK6rc0vS0_U/TWV7gFOmR-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/3GjUD_Vg4b4/s1600/022811vacationsnowshoe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wK6rc0vS0_U/TWV7gFOmR-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/3GjUD_Vg4b4/s1600/022811vacationsnowshoe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wK6rc0vS0_U/TWV7gFOmR-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/3GjUD_Vg4b4/s1600/022811vacationsnowshoe2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me... headed down the mountain. WooHoo!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efUmVE3BOk4/TWV6hHo3HBI/AAAAAAAAAGE/I0rXbMAJLDE/s1600/P2080044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efUmVE3BOk4/TWV6hHo3HBI/AAAAAAAAAGE/I0rXbMAJLDE/s1600/P2080044.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Brr...It was SO cold, but we had a great time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF8gF2VzyZI/TWV6hqsbbOI/AAAAAAAAAGI/bKcge7XhFmI/s1600/P2080046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF8gF2VzyZI/TWV6hqsbbOI/AAAAAAAAAGI/bKcge7XhFmI/s1600/P2080046.JPG" /></a></div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-46169771859297053442011-02-23T14:52:00.000-06:002011-02-23T14:52:09.311-06:00Life in our new houseSo, we have been in the new place for almost a week. It feels SO nice to be out of that tiny, old cramped apartment.<br />
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The first night in the new place, I felt like I was at a retreat somewhere. The tiled shower was like a spa, and is way different than any other bath I have had (even at our old house).<br />
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We woke up the next morning, and walked out on the upstairs deck to let the pups go potty. It was so nice to sit quietly beside the love of my life, with a cup of coffee in hand and watch the sun come over the trees in our new backyard.<br />
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I <s>think</s> know that I am really going to love it here. I already do!!<br />
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I think everyone else is adjusting nicely as well!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The kitty's fave place is our bedroom now. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFyT5j06t4E/TWVw-9uDh8I/AAAAAAAAAFs/K-4OlBySN_w/s1600/babiesdouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFyT5j06t4E/TWVw-9uDh8I/AAAAAAAAAFs/K-4OlBySN_w/s1600/babiesdouble.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Molly chewing on her toy, relaxing in the evening.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0vuOSO6xSlg/TWVw_eWeXnI/AAAAAAAAAF0/dj4PwcqCu2o/s1600/web_DSC_4102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0vuOSO6xSlg/TWVw_eWeXnI/AAAAAAAAAF0/dj4PwcqCu2o/s1600/web_DSC_4102.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Brandy loves to sit at the top of the stairs and look out through the glass window above the door.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cb1ufV5hpk/TWVw9vHGTJI/AAAAAAAAAFg/qPaQrDdMn_A/s1600/1DSC_4135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cb1ufV5hpk/TWVw9vHGTJI/AAAAAAAAAFg/qPaQrDdMn_A/s1600/1DSC_4135.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icL7kOAMpEE/TWVw9_K8DxI/AAAAAAAAAFk/jcLx4yPoH1A/s1600/1DSC_4149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icL7kOAMpEE/TWVw9_K8DxI/AAAAAAAAAFk/jcLx4yPoH1A/s1600/1DSC_4149.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I have noticed that when I cook now, Molly likes to keep me company.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIdj3NsCHwY/TWVw-d4vKFI/AAAAAAAAAFo/TSzy4v4OfEg/s1600/1DSC_4164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIdj3NsCHwY/TWVw-d4vKFI/AAAAAAAAAFo/TSzy4v4OfEg/s1600/1DSC_4164.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This was just a quick, thrown together meal before we headed out to the HOA meeting to meet our new neighbors. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Scalloped potatoes, boneless BBQ buffalo wings, & a salad)</i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g98Og_XVY_0/TWVw_K9dA3I/AAAAAAAAAFw/rx4XmxjYAJg/s1600/DSC_4166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g98Og_XVY_0/TWVw_K9dA3I/AAAAAAAAAFw/rx4XmxjYAJg/s1600/DSC_4166.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The meeting went great...Such nice people and a great little neighborhood community. I think I might</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">join one of the committees once we get settled. Maybe the decorating committee?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This subdivision knows how to decorate!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I knew this was the place for us, when we drove by during Christmas to check on the house and the entrance to the neighborhood and all of the community areas were beautifully decorated... because you all know how much I LOVE Christmas!</div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-1768004035844735082011-02-19T07:00:00.001-06:002011-02-19T07:00:01.962-06:007/52 | Fifty-Two Week ProjectThis week's photos are the outside of our new house...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wjv6Vgi7BFw/TV6ORFZPG-I/AAAAAAAAAFY/-DWcC0Ctbk4/s1600/web_DSC_4040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wjv6Vgi7BFw/TV6ORFZPG-I/AAAAAAAAAFY/-DWcC0Ctbk4/s1600/web_DSC_4040.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i10lxVeOJf0/TV6OR8sX_HI/AAAAAAAAAFc/30m3vQGJ4dw/s1600/web_DSC_4042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i10lxVeOJf0/TV6OR8sX_HI/AAAAAAAAAFc/30m3vQGJ4dw/s1600/web_DSC_4042.jpg" /></a></div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-22683559609746300072011-02-18T09:16:00.000-06:002011-02-18T09:16:43.177-06:00Organization...It feels SO good!So, everyday this week I have been over at the new place unboxing, unwrapping, unpacking our home little by little... one box at a time. Now, this is ONLY what we got out of storage.<br />
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We haven't begun to move the apartment, but the apartment shouldn't be too hard because we only brought essentials with us to live off of. We have been living off plastic cups and paper plates, while our good stuff sat peacefully in a box awaiting its new home.<br />
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I have the kitchen 99% unloaded and things put away.... <i>(The rest of the house, not so much)</i><br />
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</i><br />
Every little dish now has its own cozy place on a shelf somewhere. When unpacking our glasses, I realized we have ALOT of adult beverage glasses (shot glasses, martini glasses, champagne flutes, wine glasses, beer mugs, pilsner glasses, etc...) We could seriously open a bar, which is funny because we pretty much only drink wine and a beer every now and then. I put them all up in the cabinet though, because you never know when you might need them someday... to entertain, you know? (that sounds like something a hoarder would say, lol!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mF9zc9JlKD4/TV6Kd9JFpPI/AAAAAAAAAFM/Kcz5_rAZ4Y8/s1600/web_cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mF9zc9JlKD4/TV6Kd9JFpPI/AAAAAAAAAFM/Kcz5_rAZ4Y8/s1600/web_cabinet.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am especially proud of our junk drawer, which let me tell you.... the movers literally packed up ALL of our junk. I mean I opened a piece of packaging paper and inside were a razor blade and a single quarter. Then in another, was 4 little pieces of potpourri. I mean, I have been wondering all this time where that piece of old chewing gum went that fell out of its package so long ago. haha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyhow, I bought dividers to keep it organized, and they fit PERFECTLY. It was a sign that they were meant for that drawer. I know that drawers can be a standard size, but I prefer to go the "it is a sign" route... Thank you very much!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-ZM1dklUB4/TV6Kgc4pE5I/AAAAAAAAAFU/h5l2URL0eHY/s1600/web_DSC_4030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-ZM1dklUB4/TV6Kgc4pE5I/AAAAAAAAAFU/h5l2URL0eHY/s1600/web_DSC_4030.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And in our new fridge...is the lonely snack (no-bake peanut butter, chocolate, oatmeal cookies)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was starving while I was unpacking... don't judge!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plus, I had help eating them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(The fridge is back to empty now though... :-) )</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NyL4WGz39n8/TV6KfsxBaRI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/GQ6yad6Z80A/s1600/web_DSC_4005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NyL4WGz39n8/TV6KfsxBaRI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/GQ6yad6Z80A/s1600/web_DSC_4005.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<i>Ok.. enough blogging... time to get back to packing the apartment and unpacking the house. </i><br />
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</i><br />
<i>~Angie</i>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-28876142435901385562011-02-14T09:16:00.001-06:002011-02-14T09:17:01.657-06:00Valentines Day + Our House!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><br />
<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I hope everyone gets to spend this day with someone they love! :)</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></div><div>This v-day (and the rest of the week), we will be spending our time moving into our new dream home! I can't wait! We have been waiting for this time to come since we started the construction several months ago.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The inside is done, and the landscaping will be finished in the next few days! My brother-in-law built the home, and it is so beautiful! It turned out better than I even imagined! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Yesterday, while hubby (and one of our dear friends... Thanks Matt!) were unloading the storage building into our garage, I was busy "starting" to unpack. (I suddenly realized we have WAY to much stuff!!!)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyhow, I almost forgot to take photos of the finished interior, so I was running around moving stuff out of the way to take some quick shots. The photos are not the best, but you get the point.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I can't wait to finish unpacking, move in, and then start decorating! I will post photos of the finished rooms too, as they get done.</div><div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Entry way (Front door) & looking from the entry to the living room.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jCdn1u1gmo/TVlDnB5w58I/AAAAAAAAAEg/eYLGaJUDRhU/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jCdn1u1gmo/TVlDnB5w58I/AAAAAAAAAEg/eYLGaJUDRhU/s1600/01.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Into the dining room/hallway & looking out from the dining to living and kitchen areas.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmIQg6kyPzk/TVlDofJhzuI/AAAAAAAAAEk/TMXThwKF_Cw/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmIQg6kyPzk/TVlDofJhzuI/AAAAAAAAAEk/TMXThwKF_Cw/s1600/02.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Living room & from living room looking into dining and kitchen/breakfast area.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aP92Y4BUK9A/TVlDo-_zcPI/AAAAAAAAAEo/4p5cDaIbpBI/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aP92Y4BUK9A/TVlDo-_zcPI/AAAAAAAAAEo/4p5cDaIbpBI/s1600/03.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The kitchen!! My favorite room in the house!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I am completely in love with the pendant lights (which the lighting company sent the wrong ones, but I like these better!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I am also so thrilled we got to do the backsplash in the tiny mosaic tiles! LOVE!!!!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7jds5OANNg/TVlDpYPDq3I/AAAAAAAAAEs/o495iNSt0s8/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7jds5OANNg/TVlDpYPDq3I/AAAAAAAAAEs/o495iNSt0s8/s1600/04.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">We mixed the contemporary cabinets/hardware with traditional elements.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a20Y73mL838/TVlDqENxs2I/AAAAAAAAAEw/YwKkFnpQx4I/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a20Y73mL838/TVlDqENxs2I/AAAAAAAAAEw/YwKkFnpQx4I/s1600/05.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Master bedroom/sitting area. (We already started moving furniture in, so the photos are horrible for the bedroom)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The entry to the master bath. I didn't take a photo, but we have 2 mini doors to enter the bathroom and the hall is flanked with his/her closets.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IdX1giUVtuk/TVlDqlTWVQI/AAAAAAAAAE0/4R7NECbkm5s/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IdX1giUVtuk/TVlDqlTWVQI/AAAAAAAAAE0/4R7NECbkm5s/s1600/06.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">His & Her Vanities</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Left is mine with the knee space and Right is his area!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Hubs is thrilled to have his own area. I was told to stay out of it! LOL!)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgrxFxNelbE/TVlDrLEMHnI/AAAAAAAAAE4/UY9sB0jzn0o/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgrxFxNelbE/TVlDrLEMHnI/AAAAAAAAAE4/UY9sB0jzn0o/s1600/07.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Spare bedrooms (both have large walk-in closets)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1uDy7fXq4ng/TVlDri-mA0I/AAAAAAAAAE8/jnNoI3xqczY/s1600/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1uDy7fXq4ng/TVlDri-mA0I/AAAAAAAAAE8/jnNoI3xqczY/s1600/08.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The upstairs spare bath.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uxOTpKoFKc/TVlDrxIJeCI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Lz0DuxLS99Y/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uxOTpKoFKc/TVlDrxIJeCI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Lz0DuxLS99Y/s1600/09.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Hubs office on the left.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(We didn't originally plan on finishing it, hence the ceiling. We may come back later and spray the ceiling or do a drop ceiling)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Right: is my photography studio/office</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_A2G1U9DoEk/TVlDsb4YRhI/AAAAAAAAAFE/qMcQuxsNTwo/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_A2G1U9DoEk/TVlDsb4YRhI/AAAAAAAAAFE/qMcQuxsNTwo/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">More views of the studio.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DghplTQqcRI/TVlDtuUoWII/AAAAAAAAAFI/IJQjzE3Cfx8/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DghplTQqcRI/TVlDtuUoWII/AAAAAAAAAFI/IJQjzE3Cfx8/s1600/11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I didn't get photos of the downstairs bath, but it is a full bath and looks like the upstairs spare bath.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The laundry room also didn't get photographed because that is where I shoved everything that was sitting around... so I could take these photos.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, that is all for now. I will be busy this week with the move. YAY!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-11288067637091370802011-02-12T12:48:00.000-06:002011-02-12T12:48:07.753-06:006/52 | Fifty-Two Week ProjectWe just got back from our ski trip to Snowshoe, WV... so my photos for this week come from our vacation!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfamfmpfres/TVbVqwKBESI/AAAAAAAAAEc/cIjvkzLq0Bs/s1600/5-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfamfmpfres/TVbVqwKBESI/AAAAAAAAAEc/cIjvkzLq0Bs/s1600/5-52.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We had an amazing time, and I will be posting more photos once I sort through them and unwind from the trip!Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-12226410180714706012011-02-08T08:14:00.000-06:002011-02-08T08:14:00.813-06:00Top Ten on Tuesday - Things I want to do this yearTop 10 things I want to do this year… (not in any particular order)<br />
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1.) Lose weight<br />
2.) Start couponing (reasonably, not in a crazy way)<br />
3.) Move into our new house<br />
4.) Have our stuff magically unpack it self (ok, not realistic, but hopeful!)<br />
5.) Buy a decent sized dining room table so we can entertain more than one couple at a time.<br />
6.) Furnish my studio in a modern, but slightly shabby chic style.<br />
7.) Go to ikea (pick up large white frames for the dining room gallery wall)<br />
8.) Have a baby, or at least be pregnant.<br />
9.) Update my wardrobe. (working from home I stay in sweats a lot. I need to up the style factor!)<br />
10.) Get better at skiing (which is where I am now…burning up the trails. YEAH RIGHT, probably falling down them!).<br />
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</div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-80996120859176507402011-02-05T07:00:00.001-06:002011-02-05T11:39:09.015-06:00Shredding up the slopes - NOT!We are headed out tomorrow morning on our annual ski trip. I am so excited to see all of the beautiful snow, but a little less excited to ski. I swore last year that I would be in better shape, but I'm not. In fact, I am in far worse shape.<br />
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We have gone skiing every year since we have been together (so, we have been 3 times + this one). While I don't crash all the time, I am still not very good. I stay in a snow plow position (or "pizza" if you have ever heard the snow school training kids) the entire time down the mountain, so I am tired and hurting by the time I make it to the bottom.<br />
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I am afraid of getting off the ski lift because I fall almost every time. All of that pressure to hurry, get off, and get out of the way before the next person runs over you is just more than I can handle.<br />
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And yet, I keep trying. It looks like fun and I want to like it so much, so I keep telling myself I will be better each year that I try.<br />
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This year is no different, and I will take my klutzy self up to the top of the mountain (err... the top of the easiest green trail) and try it again. This year though I have one of my girlfriends going with me and she is not very experienced, so I will have someone to hang out with and laugh with as we slowly go down the bunny slope together. They boys will be off tearing it up somewhere more advanced.<br />
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Here are a couple photos from <b>last year's </b>ski trip!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUiOuzn4_0I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/j6K8HyEKXjc/s1600/webski1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUiOuzn4_0I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/j6K8HyEKXjc/s640/webski1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I will say though, that when standing still at least I think I look like an experienced skier in my gear.</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUiOyuLUwHI/AAAAAAAAAEU/tbSQXkBOUEg/s1600/webski2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUiOyuLUwHI/AAAAAAAAAEU/tbSQXkBOUEg/s1600/webski2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Well, I will post photos from this year's trip when we get back. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-6498592692630411402011-02-04T08:00:00.000-06:002011-02-04T08:00:17.007-06:00Books - The Art of Racing in the Rain<b>The Art of Racing in the Rain</b><br />
by Garth Stein<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUh7rkSlH9I/AAAAAAAAAEA/D-qWogPnPtI/s1600/arr_cover_125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUh7rkSlH9I/AAAAAAAAAEA/D-qWogPnPtI/s1600/arr_cover_125.jpg" /></a></div> This is probably the most heart wrenching, but beyond touching book I have ever read.<br />
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Everyone knows the big place in my heart that I have for animals, but this book is something else. It is a book narrated by a dog. The life of a family through a dogs eyes. Within in the first 3 pages, I was crying, not because it was so sad, but it just touched me in a way that just stirs your soul. I won't lie it has some sad parts, but it also has happy ones and extremely funny ones. It caused me to look at my dogs in a whole different way. <br />
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This is not just a dog's story though… it is a story of love, family, trust, and the difficult decisions we sometimes must face.<br />
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This book definitely raises emotions, and it makes you feel. Read it!<br />
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Here is a little excerpt with a video.<br />
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<div><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zZ0CTcU0Fd0" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="425"></iframe><br />
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</div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-85244965496540673102011-02-03T08:00:00.000-06:002011-02-03T08:00:08.804-06:005/52 | Fifty-Two Week ProjectThis weeks images should be titled "Rebellion".<br />
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Here is the backstory...<br />
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My husband has a mini Nerf™ gun that shoots small foam darts, which he uses on the fur-babies when they misbehave. (or to shoot me when I come around the corner, lol). The pups have learned, and when he just picks up the toy, they sit down and automatically behave. <br />
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But... when he is at work, they find them and destroy the little darts. hehe! <br />
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I don't blame them, though. It doesn't hurt at all, but it sure is annoying to get pelted with those foam things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUiJS-7FJ_I/AAAAAAAAAEM/mCj7ce2cCQc/s1600/web_DSC_3723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUiJS-7FJ_I/AAAAAAAAAEM/mCj7ce2cCQc/s1600/web_DSC_3723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUiJS-7FJ_I/AAAAAAAAAEM/mCj7ce2cCQc/s1600/web_DSC_3723.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUiJSWvR18I/AAAAAAAAAEI/-HM-8RMMGg8/s1600/web_DSC_3722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUiJSWvR18I/AAAAAAAAAEI/-HM-8RMMGg8/s1600/web_DSC_3722.jpg" /></a></div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-22349312903406806862011-02-02T12:41:00.000-06:002011-02-02T12:41:58.216-06:00Wee Bit WednesdayI stumbled upon this great blog, and decided to link up today with her "Wee Bit Wednesday"...<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.myleighashley.com/"><img height="320" src="http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt244/leighbenner/weebitwednesdaysbutton-1.png" width="320" /></a></center><center><br />
</center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;"><center style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">{one}</span> what was your favorite sitcom growing up?</strong></center><center style="text-align: center;"><i>Full House, Who's the Boss</i></center><br />
<center style="text-align: center;"><em></em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">{two}</span> what song always makes you happy when you hear it?</strong></center><center style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><em>The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson</em></span></b></center><br />
<center style="text-align: center;"><em></em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">{three}</span> do you still have your wisdom teeth?</strong></center><center style="text-align: center;"><em>Nope, I had them removed a couple of years ago. They knocked me out and took 'em right out.</em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><em>My husband said I was talking (or trying too) all sorts of crazy on the ride home while the anesthesia was wearing off.</em></center><br />
<center style="text-align: center;"><em></em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">{four}</span> what is your go to way to relax?</strong></center><center style="text-align: center;"><i>Reality TV and a glass of wine... or a good book.</i></center><br />
<center style="text-align: center;"><em></em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">{five}</span> do you play any instruments?</strong></center><center style="text-align: center;"><em>Piano & Clarinet, but I don't really play either anymore.</em></center><br />
<center style="text-align: center;"><em></em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">{six}</span> nude beaches: yes or no?</strong></center><center style="text-align: center;"><i>No Way! ...and why is it that most of the people at nude beaches really shouldn't be?</i></center><br />
<center style="text-align: center;"><em></em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">{seven}</span> do you chew your pens/pencils?</strong></center><center style="text-align: center;"><i>Occasionally, but I don't destroy them.</i></center><center style="text-align: center;"> </center><center style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">{eight}</span> can you change the oil in your car?</strong></center><center style="text-align: center;"><em>No, I can pay someone to do it, or watch my husband do it.</em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><em>I can check it though.</em></center><br />
<center style="text-align: center;"><em></em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">{nine}</span> can you curl your tongue?</strong></center><center style="text-align: center;"><em>No, and I look absolutely insane trying.</em></center><br />
<center style="text-align: center;"><em></em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">{ten}</span> can you knit or crochet?</strong></center><center style="text-align: center;"><em>My mom taught me to crochet when I was little, but I don't really think I could do it now.</em></center><center style="text-align: center;"><i>Maybe I should pick it back up?</i> </center></span></center><center><br />
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</center>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-72780678414802501682011-02-02T09:35:00.000-06:002011-02-02T09:35:00.460-06:00Don't be Bitter, be Better.I generally try to stay positive, but I am annoyed!<br />
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Do you know what annoys me? Copycats! I just wish people would get their own ideas instead of piggybacking off of mine. And while this rant sounds general, it is rather specific.<br />
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I don't want to name any names, because I am not interested in gossiping or spreading hurtful info about others. I just want to vent, so it will remain rather anonymous little vent.<br />
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We ALL garner inspiration from different places, and that is cool, especially in a creative field. However, when I see the same person visiting my blog <i>(my business one, not this one)</i> over and over and over… then posting the same things <i>(just changed ever so slightly)</i> it irritates the hell out of me. On another hand though, it is hilarious because it is SO stinkin' obvious!<br />
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This person copies the all kinds of things from me, and sometimes it is weird stuff (like how I structured my blog titles when I was preparing to move my business to another town).<br />
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My stuff is not totally unique in this big world of blogging, nor is my photography style, marketing, etc..., but it is blatantly obvious when I post or change something and all of sudden the same thing goes up on this other blog. UGH!<br />
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But it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things because the truth is, some people don't have the creativity or know-how to do things on their own. Some people are only made to ride the coattails of others because they have never explored with in themselves to find something they are good at. You know what? That's ok, because they will never truly be successful until they find their own passion. <br />
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They say, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", so I guess I should just take it as a compliment. <br />
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I truly have a passion for what I do, so I am just going to keep on, keepin' on and continue to work hard.<br />
I am obviously doing something right, and I am loving what I am doing. Can you ask for anything more in life?<br />
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So, when faced with the craziness, I just need to keep repeating to myself… "Don't be bitter, be BETTER". :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUh-dYJbUeI/AAAAAAAAAEE/8tSVy_OUCBg/s1600/web_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUh-dYJbUeI/AAAAAAAAAEE/8tSVy_OUCBg/s1600/web_1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(my kitty on a rainy day)</div><br />
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Thanks for reading my little rant. I am getting off my soapbox now, and hope that the take away message from this is that you should always work hard toward your passion and goals. It doesn't matter what anyone else says or DOES because you can only control "you".<br />
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This public service announcement has been brought to you by.... LOL!<br />
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</div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-63905469988552690362011-02-01T08:43:00.000-06:002011-02-01T08:59:33.448-06:00Top Ten on Tuesday - Quotes that InspireWhile in school and in college, I always strived to be the best I could and to always work hard to meet the goals I set for myself. Now, as a business owner the desire to succeed is even greater, but it is so important to maintain a balance between family, friends, work, and life in general.<br />
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It is inevitable when you are working towards any goal you will be met with hurdles and road blocks a long the way. It is easy to get discouraged or feel defeated. It is also easy to get so consumed with your goals that your life gets off balance.<br />
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Sometimes you you need to be inspired.<br />
Sometimes you need to be reminded of what is important.<br />
Sometimes the words of others say it best...<br />
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<b>1.) "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."</b> - Wayne Gretzky<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><i>So true, so true. If you don't try then your surely will fail and those opportunities may not come back.</i></span><br />
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<b>2.)"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.</b>"- Albert Schweitzer<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><i>This one really resonates with me because you can have a job that pays a lot and be miserable, but have a job that pays less and be so happy. I experienced this first hand with great paying dead-end job, and boy was I miserable. Luckily, I made it through and am pursuing my passion and am much happier. My shopping, traveling, and spending has been significantly reduced, but my business is growing, my family and home life are total bliss, and my sanity thanks me!</i></span><br />
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<b>3.)"No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.</b>" - Dead Poets Society<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><i>This is from one of my favorite movies, and it just inspires me overtime I see it. I really felt like I had an inspirational teacher like that in high school. He was my English teacher all through high school, and I think he inspired many of the students in his classes.</i></span><br />
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<b>4.)"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."</b>- Winston Churchill<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"> I don't know about you, but the times my life feels most fulfilled is when I do something nice for someone else. </span></i><br />
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<b>5.)"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."</b>- Henry David Thoreau <br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">I used to have this quote posted on my desk in my college dorm room. I just wanted to always remember to keep dreaming and then keep working towards making those dreams a reality.</span></i><br />
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<b>6.) “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”</b> - Dr. Seuss<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Well, who doesn't love Dr. Seuss. If his books don't make you smile then something is wrong with you. :) But besides creating funny and witty cartoons and books, he was a source of inspiration. You should always remember to be yourself, and if people don't like you, then poo on them. :)</span></i><br />
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<b>7.) "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.</b>" -Henry David Thoreau<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"> This is another reminder to be yourself. If all of these great and influential people believe you should be yourself, then there must be something to it.</span></i><br />
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<b>8.) "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.</b>" -Maria Robinson.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"> I think everyone should remember this! Things happen and we all make mistakes. You can't change the past, but you can change the future and make a new path for yourself.</span></i><br />
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<b>9.) “After all, computers crash, people die, relationships fall apart. The best we can do is breath and reboot.”</b>- Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City)<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">This one comes from my favorite TV shows of ALL time, and most of all it is something I need to practice. I get so worked up and worried if things do not go as planned, and just need to learn to breathe… and reboot.</span></i><br />
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<b>10.) “You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”</b>- Dr. Seuss<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"> If you have ever been in love, you know this one is so very true. I wake every morning and realized how blessed I am to have such an amazing husband and to have this great love in my life. </span></i><br />
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<b><i>What is your favorite quote?</i></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Here are some random photos I took yesterday that need to inspire me to go finish up our dirty laundry (that our kitty has claimed as her bed). Oh, and while they look all sweet, a kitty swat of the paw came shortly after. She was tired of having her doggie sister's cold, wet nose in her face. :)</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUgbvNzULdI/AAAAAAAAAD4/PE7UZ1BDmA4/s1600/web_DSC_3709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUgbvNzULdI/AAAAAAAAAD4/PE7UZ1BDmA4/s1600/web_DSC_3709.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUgbwiW3BLI/AAAAAAAAAD8/TuNk-Prz2hk/s1600/web_DSC_3716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUgbwiW3BLI/AAAAAAAAAD8/TuNk-Prz2hk/s1600/web_DSC_3716.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohamanda.com/about-2/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank" title="Top Ten {Tuesday}"><img alt="Top Ten {Tuesday}" height="100" src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn115/purplesahm/toptentuesday.jpg" width="100" /></a> </div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-62779981895408579692011-01-31T09:59:00.000-06:002011-01-31T09:59:52.180-06:00Enchiladas (Cream Cheese and Chicken)<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Last night I made this yummy, but not super healthy dish! (whoops!)<br />
I mean, it has cream cheese in it, so you can't go wrong. hehe</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Hubby LOVED it!</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I took photos with my iPhone as I made it, so you can reference the different steps.<br />
I would use my normal camera, but I am a messy cook... <i>My husband says I remind him of the Chef off of Sesame Street! </i><br />
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<i></i>So, mess + expensive camera= not a good idea.<br />
I will have to plan ahead and make sure to be extra neat and take good photos of the process.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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++++++<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">+++++++</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">+++++++</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">+++++++++++++++++++++++</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">++++++++</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">++++++++</span>+++++++<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">INGREDIENTS <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">**PHOTO 1**</span></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><ul><li>1 rotisserie chicken <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">(you know the awesome pre-cooked ones from your supermarket deli. You can cook your own chicken, but this is so much faster!)</span></i></li>
<li>2 packs low fat cream cheese</li>
<li>Salsa </li>
<li>soft tortillas <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">(I used the big burrito ones, and they were a little too big, so i had to cut the finished enchiladas in half to serve. Go with the smaller ones! )</span></i></li>
<li>1 can enchilada sauce</li>
<li>shredded cheddar cheese</li>
<li>lettuce</li>
<li>pico de gallo</li>
<li>diced jalepenos</li>
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">DIRECTIONS </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Shred the whole rotisserie chicken. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Place in large skillet with 2 blocks of cream cheese <i>(cut up for faster melting)</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Melt the mixture together. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">**PHOTO 2**</span></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Stir in a 1/4 cup of salsa (more if you like) </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">--------------------------</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Spread chicken/cheese mixture on tortilla. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">**PHOTO 3**</span></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Put a couple of spoonfuls of salsa along the center of tortilla</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Roll tortilla up and place in dish.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">*repeat until dish is full :) *</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">--------------------------</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Cover tortillas with enchilada sauce</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Cover top of dish with layer of shredded cheddar cheese</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Pop in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly (about 15-20min) <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">**PHOTO 4**</span></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">--------------------------</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Top with lettuce, pico de gallo, jalepenos (and sour cream, if you prefer...which I don't) <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">**PHOTO 5**</span></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">--------------------------</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Serve and Enjoy! <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">**I took a photo of the finished plate, but my phone didn't save it. Grr!!**</span></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUYsTt8S5RI/AAAAAAAAAD0/tJFw_OXeO-E/s1600/enchiladas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUYsTt8S5RI/AAAAAAAAAD0/tJFw_OXeO-E/s1600/enchiladas.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></b></div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-27162048281290657592011-01-28T15:55:00.000-06:002011-01-28T15:55:53.132-06:004/52 | Fifty-Two Week ProjectThis week, I started out taking photos of my fur-babies as usual. I actually managed to a few cute photos of Molly (the black one). I had to bribe her with her toy to get her to actually look at the camera. HA!<div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUM7CddIdlI/AAAAAAAAADo/DekL9Xx90P8/s1600/kitty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUM7CddIdlI/AAAAAAAAADo/DekL9Xx90P8/s1600/kitty1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUM7C2jsVAI/AAAAAAAAADs/tIu2ew22SsM/s1600/molly1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUM7C2jsVAI/AAAAAAAAADs/tIu2ew22SsM/s1600/molly1.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Then after lunch today, I ran by the bakery and picked up some cupcakes, which does not help my weight situation any. However, I mentioned to my husband that they have different flavors every day, and he asked my why I hadn't brought any home. :) So, today... I did.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUM7EQG88RI/AAAAAAAAADw/QtohLseHkkI/s1600/web_DSC_3668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUM7EQG88RI/AAAAAAAAADw/QtohLseHkkI/s1600/web_DSC_3668.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>The 3 flavors are Chocolate Assassin, Curious George, and Maple Bacon! </div><div><br />
</div><div>The Curious George (banana cake and peanut butter icing) is EXCELLENT! I am saving the others for my hubby when he gets home, though I do require 1 bite of each! </div><div><br />
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</div></div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-91733240974596750572011-01-27T10:31:00.000-06:002011-01-27T11:33:55.985-06:00Books - Things I loveSo, sometime last year, I read the book "A Total Waste of Make-up" by Kim Gruenenfelder, and I LOVED it. I immediately bought the sequel, "Misery Loves Cabernet", but life got in the way and I only made it a quarter of the way through the book.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUGejd1PzmI/AAAAAAAAADg/wrCfcYiGCEo/s1600/web_books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUGejd1PzmI/AAAAAAAAADg/wrCfcYiGCEo/s1600/web_books.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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After our move, my poor kindle just laid lifeless by my side of the bed with a dead battery and no love. It's early retirement was partly due to the fact in this apartment, we are using our spare bedroom furniture (our master furniture was too big to fit). Well, the spare bedroom only has one nightstand, and being the sweet wife I am, I put it on my husband's side with the lamp, alarm clock, etc...<br />
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So, with out a lamp on my side, my nighttime reading came to a halt. Well, earlier this week, I just couldn't take it anymore, and I went out and bought myself a book light, which I LOVE! Is that nerdy, or what... especially since I am excited enough to take a picture of it. LOL!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUGelUzKGdI/AAAAAAAAADk/w1jr9QVfNeI/s1600/web_DSC_3636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TUGelUzKGdI/AAAAAAAAADk/w1jr9QVfNeI/s1600/web_DSC_3636.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Anyhow, I charged my kindle and picked up my partly read book where I left off and finished the entire thing around..... 1:40am. Seriously, it just started getting really good and I wanted to find out what happened. I mean, I had been missing out on Charlie's (the main girl character in the book) life for like 6 months now. I had a lot of catching up to do.Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-41532434116656294032011-01-25T21:05:00.000-06:002011-01-25T21:22:43.359-06:00Top Ten on Tuesday - TV ShowsThese are my current favorite shows...<br />
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<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">1.) Gossip Girl - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Such good fashion on this show, and all of the backstabbing makes you thankful for your REAL friends.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">2.) Real Housewives of … anywhere - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Love the drama, LOL!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">3.) Millionaire Matchmaker - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Patti just tells all of these spoiled rich singles like it is!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">4.) One Tree Hill - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">LOVE this show!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">5.) Jerseylicious - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">So much hilarious drama in a hair salon. Too funny!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">6.) The Jersey Shore - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">This show is so bizarre, they can't make that kind of stuff up. (Makes me feel so normal!!!)</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">7.) Friday Night Lights - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Another good night time drama.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">8.) Vampire Diaries - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Was skeptical at first, but it just drew me in. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">9.) Law & Order SVU - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">My favorite of the Law & Order series. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">10.) The Cake Boss - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Wow, at the cake artistry! So amazing!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Yep, my list consists of pretty much all trashy reality tv shows, but it just makes me thankful for my "normal" life. Reality TV is a trainwreck, and you should't really watch, but you can't help it.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I am just hope people don't judge you on the quality of TV you watch because if they do… I am in trouble! HA!</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">What are your favorite shows? </div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TT-OSN1zIBI/AAAAAAAAADc/xyKJWzMHsSI/s1600/tvshows11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TT-OSN1zIBI/AAAAAAAAADc/xyKJWzMHsSI/s640/tvshows11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohamanda.com/about-2/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank" title="Top Ten {Tuesday}"><img alt="Top Ten {Tuesday}" height="100" src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn115/purplesahm/toptentuesday.jpg" width="100" /></a> </div>Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032541400372845138.post-32524868901246936512011-01-25T10:42:00.000-06:002011-01-25T22:10:40.740-06:00The Total Un-FUN-ness of Losing Weight!<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Up until the past few years, I have prided myself on having a super-high metabolism. Why? Because i LOVE <i>(no, i mean REALLY love)</i> to eat and HATE <i>(no, i mean REALLY hate)</i> to exercise. But given that recipe for bodily disaster, I have always managed to stay toned and trim… until I met my husband!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When we first met, I followed the mantra "a way to a man's heart is through his stomach"… I love to cook, so we had home cooked meals all the time. And I have heard that sometimes when you are happy and in love, both parties can put on weight… and, we did!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But it was nothing crazy. My clothes still fit, I could just notices a little extra filling here and there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then we got engaged, and in the months prior to the wedding I enforced "operation extra weight be gone". I ate nothing but those teensy-tiny pre-package frozen meals and we went to the gym (a little). It worked and when the wedding day rolled around I had lost several pounds.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We then were whisked away the next day on our European honeymoon, where I declared there would be no limits on eating there. How often do we come here? I am eating anything and everything French and Italian in sight!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I apparently didn't get the memo, that the food-fest was over when we returned home. :(</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have gone up a couple of jean sizes since the wedding, and my body is nothing like it used to be. How can a wonderful marriage be so good for the soul, but so bad for the body? (I have to blame something, and it can't be my enormous love for food and my great loathing for exercise!) I guess the fact that I am quickly approaching 30 doesn't help things either. <i>(Darn age and metabolism, ugh!)</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyhow, that brings me to where I am now, fat and happy, err unhappy, umm… Well, I am extremely happy in my life, but unhappy with my current weight/size.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Currently, as most of you know, we are in the middle of building a house, so we are temporarily crammed in this little apartment. There is no where to walk outside, so the dogs are getting chubby too. I tried to remedy the situation by rush ordering several workout dvds, but I tried one, and realized the following:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1.) I feel stupid, but I am willing to feel that way to get skinnier.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2.) I don't have enough room to do the dvd in this tiny apartment without almost kicking my dogs in the faces.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3.) I don't have enough room to do the dvd in this tiny apartment without almost kicking the coffee table.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4.) I don't have enough room to do the dvd in this tiny apartment without almost kicking the tv stand.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You get the point! Luckily, the neighborhood that our house is being built in, is a great place to walk, and I will have tons of room to do the dreaded dvds in too! There is a huge hill on our street that I swear I am going to walk, but hubby thinks that I won't make it. So, I think the first time I try, I am going to have him on stand by to pick me up in the car (if I am dying). Sad, isn't it! hehe! I will get back to you on the results of the "treacherous" hike.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, next month is our annual ski trip, and I swore last year I would be in better shape to hit the slopes, but I think (no, I know) I am actually in worse shape. So, here's hoping I don't kill my self out there!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, now that it is out here in cyberspace... maybe I will feel more accountable for staying on track!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe!!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZuZcrfTaXdk/TT77Q4o1CgI/AAAAAAAAADY/JzAQ7Kw29RQ/s640/web_dvds.jpg" width="640" /> <br />
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In case you wondering about my dvd choices, I will explain.<br />
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1.) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Minute-Solution-Day-Get/dp/B002EWD0CC">5 day get fit mix</a> - Because I am lazy <i>(there, i said it)</i> and it says 10 minute workouts. Yes, please!<br />
2.) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Body-Bethenny-Frankel/dp/B002W6ZXOS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1295973045&sr=1-1">Body by Bethenny</a> - Because I love her on "The Real Housewives of New York". Isn't that enough?<br />
3.) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hemalayaa-Bollywood-Burn/dp/B000WH5AX8/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1295973077&sr=1-1">Bollywood Burn</a> Because of the show, "So You Think You Can Dance", <i>(which I can't dance)</i> I have grown to love watching Bollywood dancing. It looked likes fun, but now, I am thinking that anything with the word BURN in it is usually<i> anything but</i> FUN!Angie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07748459771990774845noreply@blogger.com2